Probiotic Herbal Teas

“Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when consumed by humans or animals, interact with the body’s microbial flora to produce beneficial effects on the host’s health. The belief in the beneficial effect of probiotics is based on the fact that the microbial flora of the gut plays a protective role against various diseases. Probiotics naturally reside in the digestive system and are very useful for digesting food and reducing inflammation in the gut. These bacteria also produce antibiotics and vitamins, thereby contributing to the improvement of the body’s immune system. It is interesting to know that the total weight of probiotics in the body is greater than that of the human brain, which highlights the importance of these bacteria for the health of the body.”

The benefits of probiotics

– Prevent the outbreak of certain infectious diseases, such as vaginal infections, which can lead to early miscarriage of the fetus.

– By covering and sealing the points of connection for pathogenic microorganisms, they prevent their growth.

– They utilize the nutrients present in the body before they can be consumed by pathogenic microorganisms.

– Probiotics can stimulate both specific and non-specific immunity against intestinal diseases.

– They stimulate the immune and defense systems of the body against pathogenic bacteria.

– They reduce the absorption of allergenic substances from dairy through the intestines and may even decrease eczema in infants.

– They aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals present in food.

– They help prevent cancer of the intestine, liver, and breast.

– They help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.outbreak of certain infectious diseases, such as vaginal infections, which can lead to early miscarriage of the fetus.

What Foods Contain Probiotics?

• Dairy Products
  Probiotic dairy products contain beneficial bacteria for health. Nowadays, various probiotic dairy products, including different types of yogurt, cheese, and kefir, are available in the market. Milk, which contains acidophilus bacteria and is often sold under this name, is rich in probiotics. Soft cheeses, especially, such as Gouda cheese, are an excellent choice for obtaining probiotics because hard cheeses tend to lose many of the beneficial bacteria during the stomach’s digestion. Kefir is produced by fermenting milk with kefir grains (a combination of healthy bacteria and yeasts) and is rich in probiotics. However, it is important to note that living bacteria in dairy products decrease over time. Therefore, one should pay attention to the production date of dairy products.
• Fibers
  Probiotics that live in the intestine need fiber for their nutrition. It may not be surprising to say that fibers act like fertilizer for the gut probiotics and promote microbiome growth. According to a reputable scientific study published in the journal Cell, the gut microbiome diversity decreased by 60% in mice that consumed a low-fiber diet. However, for fiber to help improve microbiome diversity, one should consume between 25 to 38 grams of this food source daily. Interestingly, currently, the daily fiber consumption per capita worldwide is far below this amount. Fiber is abundant in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts.
• Sauerkraut
  Sauerkraut, especially the natural and non-pasteurized types, is an excellent source of probiotics. It has a spicy counterpart known as kimchi, which has the same properties.
• Kombucha Tea
  This tea is a fermented drink that contains a significant amount of probiotics. This tea, which is popular worldwide, can be beneficial for better functioning of the large intestine and also for strengthening the immune system.
• Sourdough Bread
  In this type of bread, a dough is used that has been fermented for a long time by bacteria such as Lactobacillus. Therefore, these breads are rich in probiotics and are beneficial for better intestinal function.
• Miso Soup
  This soup, commonly consumed in Japan, is made from fermented soy products and is a food item rich in probiotics.
• Tempeh
  Tempeh, more commonly used in Indonesia, is a type of burger-like or cake-like food with a taste reminiscent of mushrooms. Because of its high protein content, it can be a good meat alternative. This food, which is made from fermented soy, is rich in probiotics and is considered a suitable option for vegetarians.
• Colostrum
  You may have heard about how colostrum is vital for the child’s future immunity. In reality, colostrum is a rich source of probiotics, containing about 40% of these beneficial bacteria.
• Probiotic Coffee and Tea
  In 2020, researchers from Singapore reported the production of probiotic coffee and tea through fermentation processes that are loaded with live probiotics compatible with the gut. Professor Liu from the School of Food Science and Technology at the National University of Singapore stated: “Coffee and tea are two of the most popular beverages worldwide, and they are both specific plant extracts. Therefore, they serve as a complete vehicle for delivering probiotics to consumer bodies.” Most probiotic coffee and tea beverages available on the market are not fermented. In our study, we created a new range of these beverages through a fermentation process, which, in addition to the healthy compounds they contain, also enhances the digestibility of nutrients while retaining the health benefits of regular coffee and tea.

Currently, herbal teas containing probiotic bacteria are being sold in the market. The probiotics used in these teas can create a protective layer that safeguards the bacteria until they reach the intestine